Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

The mission of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) is to promote civil and human rights worldwide through education. BCRI presents an in-depth look at the Civil Rights Movement through time, from before the movement’s inception through today’s international struggle for universal human rights. BCRI is more than just a museum; it is a place of research, a teaching facility and an acknowledged learning center for people of all ages and backgrounds. Each year, BCRI reaches more than 140,000 individuals through tours and exhibitions as well as school and community outreach, public programs, special events, and archival collections. 

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The BCRI hosts many traveling exhibitions, permanent exhibitions, civic and community meetings, and other special events along with the following annual events. The Annual Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award Dinner: Established by the BCRI Board of Directors in 2002, the Annual Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award serves as a tribute to the leadership and courage of the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth throughout the course of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. This annual award is an opportunity for the Institute to recognize individuals for their service to civil and human rights causes around the world. It is the highest honor bestowed on an individual by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday: Join us each year on the King Holiday for a day of celebration and service. BCRI Galleries open to the public at 9:00am and no admission is charged. Remember…celebrate…act. It’s a day on, not a day off. Black History Month: Join us each year for a month of events and activities commemorating Black History Month. Begun by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of what is now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), Black History Month offers an occasion for celebration and education regarding the contributions of persons of African descent to American and world history and culture. Women’s History Month: An annual declared month worldwide that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. It is celebrated during March in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) honors Women’s History Month with its popular annual program, “The Women Gather,” An evening of poetry, drama and music featuring local artists to celebrate the contributions of women. Juneteenth Culture Fest:  Music, food, crazy contests and tons of fun. That’s BCRI’s Annual Juneteenth Culture Fest in Kelly Ingram Park. A free outdoor music concert and games for all ages take place at BCRI and in Kelly Ingram Park on the first Saturday in June. Vendors supply a variety of great foods and other items for purchase. And a Sunday morning service at Sixteenth Street Baptist Church concludes the weekend.  FBI Conference: Since 2006, BCRI and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Division, have joined forces to develop training models for law enforcement officials and the community.The resulting conferences on law enforcement and civil rights examine the history of the Civil Rights Movement and encourage law enforcement officials and the community to reflect upon their personal and professional responsibilities in our pluralistic society. The discussion is designed to build trust and open the lines of communication between law enforcement agencies, their personnel and the communities they serve. Group Tours: Group Tours consist of 25 of more people. Groups that do not exceed 25 require no advance booking. However, please note: Unscheduled groups may have an hour wait!   We regret any inconvenience. FREE BUS PARKING IS AVAILABLE IN THE REAR OF THE BUILDING (15TH STREET NORTH). Call 205-328-9696, ext. 204 to speak with a staff member about a tour. FOR MORE ON THE CIVIL RIGHTS DISTRICT IN BIRMINGHAM, SEE LISTINGS FOR: 16th Street Baptist Church and Kelly Ingram Park.